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G481
G481 – Haemoglobin screen and/or haematocrit
OHIP Diagnostic & Therapeutic Procedures Code — DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Performs a haemoglobin screen and/or haematocrit test using any available method or instrument. According to , this service is considered a simple office laboratory procedure. As outlined in , it may be delegated to a qualified employee in the physician's office. This service is included in the W010 monthly management fee for patients in a nursing home or home for the aged.
When to Use
- Use G481 when performing an immediate point-of-care hemoglobin or hematocrit check in the office to guide acute clinical management, such as assessing for anemia during a visit.
- Claim this code when the test is performed by office staff using a portable device like a HemoCue, distinct from sending a requisition to a community laboratory.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing G481 for patients residing in a nursing home or home for the aged will result in an automatic rejection if W010 is claimed for the same month.
- Attempting to bill G481 in addition to a comprehensive assessment or minor procedure code that already includes office laboratory overhead is a common audit trigger for unbundling.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the clinical indication for the immediate test is clearly noted in the chart to justify the necessity of an in-office screen versus a standard laboratory requisition.
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